Health complaints and work conditions among lacquerers in the Danish furniture industry

Abstract

In the present work, morbidity rates were based upon 418 replies to postal inquiries sent to 478 members of the carpenters/cabinet makers trade union in the Arhus area of Denmark. Lacquerers, when compared with former lacquerers and non-lacquerers, have an excess of neurophysiological symptoms and symptoms from the respiratory tract. The statistical association between exposure to lacquers and lung symptoms persists after checking for differences in age, smoking habits, and exposure to dust. Organic solvents are an important component of lacquers. Far too little is yet known of solvents' long-term effects on the human body. Most of our present knowledge concerns the short-term toxic effects on the nervous system. This study further points out a relation between lung symptoms and exposure to organic solvents, and it is suggested that further research into this association must be carried out.